Arsenal

Player News - Arsenal

Mesut Ozil faces a race against time to be fit for this weekends Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger was speaking ahead of his sides Europa League second-leg tie versus Ostersunds FK on Thursday night, and the Gunners boss provided a mixed injury update. Aaron Ramsey has made a timely return to the training pitches, and despite reports to the contrary, the Wales international still has a chance of making the squad. "He had a good training session but [his fitness] is a bit short. We’ll see how his evolution goes. I don’t rule him out yet, it depends how well he can improve his intensity," said Wenger. Alexandre Lacazette is also ahead in terms of his recovery from knee surgery which could see him return in early March. Mesut Ozil "should" be okay for the final having just re-joined the squad, the German playmaker was bed-ridden on Monday and Tuesday in what was his 6th reported illness within the past year [the most reported of any Premier League player].

Nacho Monreal was at it again opening the scoring for Arsenal as they cruised to a 3-0 victory at Ostersund.

It was a business-like effort from Arsenal who weren't spectacular but were efficient as they dispatched Ostersund 3-0 in the away leg of their round of 32 tie. Nacho Monreal was notable as he continued his recent torrid scoring pace. Henrikh Mkhitaryan instigated an own goal for the second and turn provider as Mesut Ozil scored the third. There was a concerning blip late as Bellerin gave up a penalty in added time but Ospina saved to keep the clean sheet.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey faces a race to be fit for next weekend's League Cup final as he fights off a groin injury.

Ramsey was a surprise scratch from the club's 1-0 loss in the North London derby over the weekend due to a minor injury. However, manager Arsene Wenger said he doesn't think the Welsh international will be available for either leg of the club's Europa League round of 32 matchup and could be a doubt for the League Cup final against Manchester City on February 25. "It is a little bit sensitive case because we expected him to be a bit further in his development of the groin problem and he doesn't move forward as quickly as we expected it. Today we would say that certainly he will not be available even for the next game against Ostersunds. Maybe for the cup final, we don't know yet, it depends how he will progress from now."

Danny Welbeck is expected to lead the Arsenal attack in Sweden on Thursday night after Alexandre Lacazette underwent surgery to address a minor knee problem.

Arsène Wenger suggested the France international has been managing an ongoing issue for a while which flared up following his cameo in Saturdays north London derby. "He got a surprising swell of the knee after the game against Tottenham and he needed surgery very quick," the Arsenal boss told beIN Sports. "He’ll be out for the next four to five weeks. It’s a massive blow for us and we have to find a solution, and nobody could predict that." With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ineligible for the Europa League competition, Welbeck is poised to make his fourth start of the year having recently recovered from injury. The setback leaves Arsenal a little short of cover, and the Gunners may call upon the inexperienced Eddie Nketiah as back-up following some impressive displays for the under-23s. The 18-year-old regularly trains with the senior squad and has scored 9-times in eleven starts for the development side.

Alexandre Lacazette will miss the next six weeks of Premier League action as he recovers from knee surgery performed earlier this week.

The France international has been relegated to being the second choice center forward for the Premier League after the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The rub for Arsenal is the Europa League where PEA is ineligible. With Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott both having been sold in January Arsenal are light on forwards for their European campaign which still represents the best chance at qualifying for next season's Champions League. Frequently-injured Danny Welbeck is Arsenal's only real first team option for the Europa League so look for him to get the start on Thursday at Ostersund.

Last weekends’ goal hero Aaron Ramsey was a surprise absentee from the Arsenal matchday squad on Saturday.

The Wales international was brimming with confidence following his hat-trick in the comprehensive win over Everton, but a failed fitness test handed Jack Wilshere a recall in the north London derby. Ramsey trained with the squad on the eve of the game, however he complained of tightness after the session, and prior to kick off the club confirmed Ramsey had suffered a "minor groin problem." This latest setback represents Ramsey’s sixth of the season, having been dogged throughout the campaign due to niggling hamstring and calf problems, which have restricted him to 16 Premier League starts. No timeline currently, but Ramsey is rated as a major doubt for the Europa League tie with Ostersunds FK on Thursday. However, with a pause in Premier League proceedings due to the FA Cup next weekend, he could be back for the League Cup final on February 25.

Arsenal looked to close the gap with Tottenham in the table, but it would only widen as they lacked much attacking threat in a 1-0 loss at Wembley Stadium.

Petr Cech was able to recover for the big derby but Aaron Ramsey, the hat trick hero from last weekend, was absent with a groin problem, and his lack of involvement may have been a big factor in today's result. Jack Wilshere came in to play the Ramsey role and was able to provide a couple of nice balls but Tottenham's defense was poised from start to finish and Arsenal's good looks at the target were limited. After giving up the opening goal early in the second half, Wishere looked to level it with a curling effort on 68 minutes, but a diving save kept it out. Spurs inability to find a second goal gave the Gunners a chance to find a positive result, and they nearly did in the final minute of stoppage time, but Alexandre Lacazette could not tuck the ball past Hugo Lloris and his effort dribbled wide. Time will tell on the extent of Ramsey's injury but Wilshere stands to benefit if the Welshman misses time beyond the international break.

Danny Welbeck is back from his hamstring injury but is likely to be a reserve with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Mesut Ozil, and Alex Iwobi likely manning the attacking spots for the North London Derby.

Danny Welbeck has demonstrated his top class abilities from time-to-time at both Manchester United and Arsenal but what he has never demonstrated is the consistent ability to stay healthy. Anytime he even approaches staking a claim to a starting spot injuries seem to derail him. He again had a chance earlier this season to put down his marker on the back of a few strong matches. Injury again intervened. He is healthy again but will likely have to wait his turn behind Alex Iwobi who has been playing well in the chance he's been given.

Nacho Monreal has been on fire but was withdrawn early against Everton due to an illness but he should be sufficiently recovered to feature against Spurs on Saturday.

Monreal has been a surprise attacking threat since being restored to the left back spot in Arsene Wenger's revived 4-man defense. It seems unlikely that he'll continue his goal-scoring exploits against Spurs on Saturday but his availability whether as part of a three-man central grouping or as the left back in a four-man set-up is critical. Arsenal have been excellent when Monreal, Koscielny, Mustafi, and Bellerin have all been available and that should be the case on Saturday whether Sead Kolasinac joins them in the starting eleven or not.

David Ospina will have his chance to shine as Arsenal travel across London to face North London rivals Spurs at Wembley to kick off Week 27 in the Premier League.

Ospina has had a rocky tenure at Arsenal. He has seemingly been discontented with his role in the team for some time but, when given the chance to prove his worth, he has been found wanting more than anything else. Saturday brings a rare high profile opportunity to shine in the Premier League as Petr Cech's calf injury will almost certainly see Ospina get a start against Spurs. A win, combined with Cech's declining form, could give Ospina the boost he's likely looking for either into the starting line-up or out of town come the summer.

Petr Cech is rated as a major doubt for this weekends north London derby.

The veteran stopper was involved in a heavy collision with Oumar Niasse during the 5-1 victory over Everton at The Emirates which forced him off after 70 minutes. "He has a kick on his calf," confirmed Arsene Wenger post-match. "I don’t know medically how bad it is. Just a kick." However, Cech, an ever-present in the Premier League this season is at risk of missing his first game amid growing concerns within the Arsenal camp that he will not recover in time for the early kick-off on Saturday. David Ospina is being readied and the Colombian could come in for only his second league start in 10 months. However, there was better news regarding in-form defender Nacho Monreal [replaced at half-time on Saturday due to illness] who is expected to be available for the clash.

Aaron Ramsey scored a hat trick and Henrikh Mkhitaryan provided three assists as Arsenal crushed Everton at the Emirates to close out the Saturday program.

It was a home debut for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Arsenal made a real celebration of it as they scored early and often. Ramsey scored the first of the day on 6 minutes. Ramsey scored two more alternating with Laurent Koscielny and an Henry-esque Aubameyang who scored a delicate chip wearing the #14 shirt.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may have to wait on his Arsenal debut as he recovers from an illness. Alexandre Lacazette would presumably continue starting at center forward if the Gabon international does miss out.

Arsenal's new record signing will certainly be under some pressure as soon as he's ready to start playing for the team. With Alexandre Lacazette having failed to impress since his first month or so in the Premier League, Aubameyang will be counted on to spearhead a revitalized Arsenal attack also featuring newly resigned Mesut Ozil and newly arrived Henrikh Mkhitaryan. It could be champagne football once they get integrated but we may have to wait a week before we see it happen.

Arsene Wenger confirmed in his Friday press conference that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will start his first match for the club on Saturday against Everton.

After coming off the bench against Swansea on Tuesday, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is apparently ready to start for Arsenal now. He may have to wait another match to hook up with former and now current teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who could miss out this weekend due to illness but we will get our first extended look this weekend at how Mesut Ozil and Mkhitaryan will work together in the Arsenal attack. The concern is that their skill sets overlap to some extent and that two creative midfielders neither of whom are known for their defending may put some additional pressure on an already-sketchy Arsenal back line.

Out of favor Arsenal right back Mathieu Debuchy has moved to French side St Etienne on a free transfer as the January transfer deadline approaches.

Arsenal continue to move out contracts as they make space in the locker room and the salary structure for newly arrived attackers Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Debuchy joins Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as having left since the summer while the club stretched payroll to accommodate the two new arrivals plus Mesut Ozil's significantly upgraded contract. How it all works out on the pitch remains to be seen but all of the moves will probably see Arsenal's wage bill remain relatively unchanged despite the high profile additions.